The Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby runs each spring and fall, drawing anglers to one of the Finger Lakes' most productive trout fisheries

The Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby is a seasonal fishing tournament held on Canandaigua Lake in Ontario County. The event typically runs for a set period in spring (usually April or May) and again in fall (usually September or October), though exact dates shift year to year. Anglers fish from shore or boat during designated hours, and prizes go to the heaviest fish caught in each category — usually lake trout and rainbow trout, sometimes landlocked salmon depending on the year.

The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Canandaigua Lake Association in partnership with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Entry fees are modest, usually between $10 and $25 per angler, and you do not need to pre-register — you can often sign up the morning of the event at the designated weigh station. The lake itself is 15.5 miles long and reaches depths over 400 feet, making it a serious cold-water fishery where trout thrive year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby events run in spring and fall on dates that vary each year, so check with the Canandaigua Lake Association or local fishing clubs for the current schedule.
  • You can fish from shore or boat during the tournament window, and entry fees typically range from $10 to $25 with same-day registration at the weigh station.
  • Lake trout and rainbow trout are the primary species, though the exact categories and prize structure change seasonally.
  • A valid New York State fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older, and you must follow all state regulations on tackle, bait, and catch limits.

When the Derby Takes Place and How to Enter

Spring derbies usually happen in late April or May, when water temperatures are warming and trout move into shallower zones. Fall events typically run in September or early October, when cooler water brings fish back to accessible depths. The exact window — whether it is a single day, a weekend, or a full week — depends on the year and organizer. Your best source for current dates is the Canandaigua Lake Association website or a call to the Ontario County Parks Department.

Registration happens at the weigh station on the morning of the event. Bring cash or a check for the entry fee, your fishing license, and proof of identification. Most derbies run from sunrise to a set cutoff time in the afternoon — often 3 or 4 p.m. — so plan to fish the full window if you want your best shot at a prize. Weigh-in closes shortly after the fishing window ends, and results are usually posted the same day or within a few days.

What Fish Species Count and How Prizes Work

Lake trout and rainbow trout are the mainstay categories. Lake trout (also called Mackinaw) are the lake's native cold-water species and grow large — fish over 5 pounds are common, and 8- to 12-pounders win derbies. Rainbow trout are stocked regularly by DEC and are aggressive fighters that appeal to many anglers. Some years the derby adds a landlocked salmon category or a "any trout" division to broaden participation.

Prizes typically go to the heaviest single fish in each category, though some years include a "largest five fish" aggregate weight or a youth division. Prize money or merchandise varies — some derbies offer cash payouts, others offer tackle or gift certificates to local shops. Check with the organizers before the event to know what you are fishing for and how ties are broken.

Fishing Techniques That Work on Canandaigua Lake

Lake trout respond well to jigging with small spoons or tube jigs, especially in spring when they hold in deeper water off structure. A white or silver spoon tipped with a minnow or maggot works year-round. From shore, cast as far as you can and work the spoon with a steady jigging motion. From a boat, you can reach the deeper drop-offs where big lake trout spend most of their time.

Rainbow trout are less predictable but often feed in shallower water, especially early and late in the day. Small spinners, inline spoons, and live minnows all produce. In spring, focus on the inlet streams and shallow bays where rainbows stage before spawning. In fall, they scatter across the lake but concentrate near structure — rocky points, weed beds, and drop-offs. Trolling a small crankbait or spoon behind a boat is effective if you have access to one.

Bait fishing with live shiners or dead herring works for both species, particularly for lake trout. Use a simple rig: a three-way swivel with a sinker on one arm and a 12- to 18-inch leader with a size 2 or 4 hook on the other. Cast and hold bottom, or drift slowly along structure. This method is less active than jigging but often produces larger fish because it targets fish that are feeding rather than chasing.

Regulations and Licensing You Need to Know

All anglers age 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. You can purchase a one-day license for about $10 or a full-season license for around $30 — both are available online through the DEC website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops near the lake. The license covers all freshwater fishing in New York for the period you purchase.

Canandaigua Lake has specific regulations on tackle and catch limits. Lake trout have a daily limit of three fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Rainbow trout have a five-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum. You may use artificial lures or live bait, but check current DEC regulations on bait type — some waters restrict certain baits during certain seasons. The derby itself may impose stricter rules, so ask the organizers when you register.

Where to Launch, Park, and Find Supplies

Public boat launches are available at Kershaw Park in Canandaigua village (off Main Street) and at Woodville Park on the eastern shore. Both have parking and facilities. Shore fishing is possible from several public access points, including the town parks and along Route 21 on the eastern shore, though parking is limited. Ask at the weigh station or a local bait shop for the best current access points — access can change seasonally.

Bait and tackle shops near the lake stock live minnows, shiners, and herring, plus spoons, jigs, and other lures. Finger Lakes Bait and Tackle in Canandaigua and shops in nearby Farmington carry what you need and can offer current advice on what is working. If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is entirely viable — the lake has deep water close to shore in many places, and jigging from a dock or rocky point can be productive.

Preparing Your Gear and Planning Your Day

Bring a medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound test line — this covers both lake trout and rainbow trout without being overkill. Pack a tackle box with spoons in white, silver, and chartreuse; a few tube jigs; and a selection of hooks and sinkers. If you plan to fish bait, bring a cooler with ice and your minnows or herring. Bring a net or a gaff if you are fishing from a boat — landing a 10-pound lake trout by hand is possible but risky.

Dress for the season. Spring and fall weather on the Finger Lakes can shift fast — bring a windbreaker and layers even if the morning is mild. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in shallow water. Bring water and snacks; fishing a full day is tiring, and you will fish better if you stay fed and hydrated. If you are new to the lake, arrive early and talk to other anglers at the launch — most are generous with information about where fish are holding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the derby, or can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is allowed and can be productive, especially in spring and fall when trout move into shallower water. You will have access to fewer deep-water spots than a boat angler, but public parks and access points around the lake offer good opportunities. Many derby winners have fished from shore.

What is the best time of day to fish during the derby?

Early morning and late afternoon are usually most productive, when light is low and trout feed actively. Midday can be slow, especially in clear water. Since the derby runs from sunrise to a set cutoff, fish the full window if you can — you never know when a big fish will bite.

Can children fish in the derby?

Yes. Children under 16 do not need a license, and most derbies offer a youth division with separate prizes. Check with the organizers about age categories and whether there are reduced entry fees for young anglers.

What should I do if I catch a fish I think might win?

Keep it alive and cool until weigh-in. Use a wet net, avoid squeezing the fish, and if you are fishing from shore, place it in a bucket of lake water in the shade. Handle it as little as possible — a fish that looks fresh and undamaged at the scale has a better chance of winning a tie.

Where do I find out the exact dates for the next derby?

Contact the Canandaigua Lake Association directly, or call the Ontario County Parks Department. Local bait shops and the DEC regional office also post derby dates. Dates shift each year, so do not assume spring and fall events will be on the same dates as last year.